Producer Mindsets and Approaches
Director
Organization, imagination, vision, decision-making, and leading by example are all qualities or skills that feature within the director mindset/role. As the term suggests, this involves taking on the direction of the session and those present.
In some ways this could be likened to that of a film director (as the producer’s role often is) where the actors are directed and instructed to deliver scenes or lines in a certain way and where technical personnel are directed in order to achieve specific results.
Obviously this type of approach is neither applicable nor appropriate with some artists or bands, particularly those who are more established within the industry and therefore have more recording experience.
However, some individuals and groups may thrive off of this direction and once instruction is given they have clear boundaries within which they can work and be creative. It is also worth considering that this direction may only be required in some and not all areas.
Some artists may not come from a formal or traditional musical background and therefore may require specific direction and support in certain musical areas in order for them to feel more confident in what it is they are trying to do.
Or it may be that their natural approach, while very creative, lacks focus, and therefore direction is needed in order to concentrate the flow of ideas.
In the context of confident creation it is important to point out that the director mindset and approach should be considered as one of leadership and not dictatorship. Good leadership gives direction while allowing for individual creativity and freedom; this in turn can inspire confident creation.
Catalyst
Acting as a catalyst in a session or adopting the catalyst mindset can be a risky route to take as the outcome is not always predictable. Here the commonly used analogy of “a piece of grit is needed to make a pearl” is useful to consider.
Sometimes it will take an idea, a comment, or even deliberate provocation in order to get the creative juices and performances flowing. Artists and bands can become bogged down in ideas or ways of working and sometimes an external stimulus is needed to change or refocus their direction of thought.
If as the producer you can tell that the session is going nowhere fast, then stepping in and giving your two cents might be exactly what is needed in order to kickstart the proceedings. Remember that the ideas and suggestions you make should come from a point of objectivity.
If done with integrity and diplomacy you may well then be able to take a step back and allow the artist to explore and discover the best way forward, thus still giving them room to be creative while ensuring that the right focus is maintained.